For more than six decades, stlb™ has grown from a small warehouse in Corpus Christi into a nationally recognized organization creating meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Explore the milestones that have shaped more than six decades of opportunity, innovation, and service.

A Vision Takes Root

In April 1964, the organization was chartered as the South Texas Vocational Workshop for the Blind with a mission to provide educational and vocational opportunities for people who were blind. Operations began that July with three employees, and by October the organization became South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, laying the foundation for decades of growth.

Leadership for the Future

Hal Byers became the Lighthouse's first paid Executive Director, providing dedicated leadership that helped guide the organization's early growth and long-term vision.

Stronger After the Storm

Hurricane Celia severely damaged the Mesquite Street facility, forcing the Lighthouse to relocate to Leopard Street. Despite the setback, the organization emerged stronger and continued expanding opportunities for meaningful employment.

Opening New Doors

With assistance from National Industries for the Blind, the Lighthouse secured its first General Services Administration (GSA) manufacturing contract for business machine pads. Employment for workers who were blind continued to grow as new manufacturing opportunities were created.

Serving the Community

The Lighthouse expanded beyond manufacturing by offering low-vision aids and adaptive products at or below cost, helping individuals with vision loss throughout South Texas maintain greater independence.

National Recognition

The Lighthouse received the Blind Employment Achievement Award from National Industries for the Blind, recognizing exceptional growth in blind direct labor hours and its commitment to meaningful employment.

Breaking New Ground

The organization earned its first GSA binder contract, producing one-inch black-and-white binders and continuing to strengthen its role as a trusted federal manufacturing partner.

Growing Through Partnership

A three-year contract with the U.S. Postal Service to manufacture mail trays created new jobs and expanded production capabilities for the organization.

Expanding Our Reach

The first Base Supply Centers opened at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and Naval Air Station Kingsville, marking the beginning of a growing military support network.

A Second Home for Growth

A second manufacturing facility opened in Victoria, Texas, while operations also expanded into Base Supply Centers at Travis Air Force Base in California.

Supporting Those Who Serve

The Safety Store began operations at Corpus Christi Army Depot, expanding the Lighthouse's commitment to serving military customers.

A New Home, A Bigger Future

With more than 100 employees, the Lighthouse relocated to its current Agnes Street headquarters, providing the space needed to expand manufacturing, training, and employment opportunities.

Diversifying Our Mission

Operations expanded to Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi. New product lines, including candles and adaptive technology services, reflected the organization's continued innovation and commitment to serving the blind community.

Answering the Call

The Lighthouse was awarded a contract to manufacture flyer's gloves for the Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia, adding another important military manufacturing capability.

Serving More Military Communities

A Base Supply Center opened at Columbus Air Force Base while warehouse services and hazardous materials operations continued expanding across military installations.

Expanding What We Make

The State Use Program grew substantially with the addition of numerous new products, including sandbags, envelopes, mouse pads, locks, magnetic wristbands, and office supplies.

A New Chapter in Leadership

Nicky Ooi became President and CEO, beginning a new era of leadership focused on continued growth, innovation, and opportunity.

Recognized Once Again

The Lighthouse earned its second Blind Employment Achievement Award from National Industries for the Blind and launched Container Reclamation operations at Corpus Christi Army Depot.

Room to Grow

A new 70,000-square-foot facility expansion increased the Agnes Street campus to approximately 140,000 square feet. New production equipment further strengthened manufacturing capabilities.

Building for Tomorrow

The acquisition of Corpus Christi Distributors broadened product offerings and positioned the organization for continued diversification and future growth.

Reaching the West Coast

A new Base Supply Center opened at Sierra Army Depot in California, extending the Lighthouse's military support services to another important installation.

Continuing the Mission

Operations expanded again with the addition of a COPARS location at Sierra Army Depot, strengthening support for military customers and creating additional employment opportunities.

Looking Toward Tomorrow

Hazardous materials operations expanded to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, demonstrating that the Lighthouse continues to grow while remaining focused on creating meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

A brief introduction to how expanded manufacturing, new partnerships, and innovative products created meaningful employment opportunities.